Ruth Baumgarte produced illustrations for the Baumgarte Ironworks calendars from 1951 to 1968. She used a range of techniques such as red chalk, Indian ink, gouache, chalk, charcoal, pastel, sepia, and watercolor on a wide variety of paper and card. The exhibition features five striking watercolor images that were produced for the 1965 calendar but not ultimately published. They are a masterful testimony to Ruth Baumgarte's exceptional skill in this medium. We take a closer look at Montage, which depicts the installation of a plant, probably in Africa. Bright color draws our eye from the figure in the foreground of a worker with his back to us, into the picture and the background. Next to the Black worker, the bare back of a boy who is observing the action is visible. To his left are three men who seem to be debating on how to position the boiler. Meanwhile, other workers on scaffolding and a ladder are busy with the complex installation. At the far right of the picture, palm trees tower the scene.

Ruth Baumgarte has created an atmospheric depiction of the environment of an African country whilst going beyond the exotic. The bold composition with overlapping picture planes reveals the complexity of plant construction. The strong colors exude optimism and energy. Engineering as a driver of development.